fft 424 
.R85 
Copy ^ 



PRESERVATION 

OF TIMBER 




SOUVKNIR IDITION 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Cliap.___:.__. Copyrio'ht No._ 

Shelf ._._ffE<b 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




> 




THE AUTHOR. 



Hand Book of Timber 
Preservation 



Souvenir Edition 



By Samuel M. Rowe, C. E. 
M, Am. Soc. C. E. and M. W. S. E. 



CHICAGO 

Pettibone, Sawtell & Co., Printers 
1900 



4708f; 






LidPtoK y of Con^^ri'eas 

"'v.w- ' ?Pif}- Ktcfj.-eo 
SEP 141900 

Copyright entry 

SECOND COPY. 

Dfclivbrod to 

OHDt« DIVISION, 




80 



COPYRIGHT, 1900, BY SAMUEL M. ROWE. 




ROBERT DELOS ROWE (Deceased). 

M. AM. Soc. C. E. 

To whose labors and intelligent studies and investigations 

much that is most valuable in this work is due, 

this book is affectionately dedicated. 



PREFACE. 



These pages are intended for the use of our pa- 
trons, past, present and future, and are not for publi- 
cation; and it is our wish and request that those re- 
ceiving the book keep it in their own possession, 
making such use of it as may be to the interest of the 
railroad company represented. 

Since 1885, when the matter was first taken up 
under the tutelage of the late Joseph P. Card, the 
author has labored to perfect the methods and ap- 
pliances, studying each principle and all questions 
connected wiih the operation of timber preserving in 
the direction of convenience, economy and effective- 
ness. Most of the matter contained is original, and 
this is the first attempt made to furnish a complete 
practical guide for the operator, containing full direc- 
tions, that has been made in this country. Those so 
far operating works of this kind have relied upon 
training their own operator and carefully refraining 
from letting any but general items of information 
go out. 

In a general way, the book is an epitome of the ex- 
perience and observations of the author, assisted by 
Robert D. Rowe, recently deceased, giving results of 
much labor, study and time. 

It is not pretended that the operator can take the 
matter up from the book and proceed at once to run 



the business, as there is too much that calls for a 
trained and matured judgment; but the book will be 
of much service as a hand book and guide during the 
operation of the plant as well as to hints during the 
construction. 

The author is but too sensible of the imperfect 
arrangement, of the work and that much is yet to do 
to make it complete, but trusts to be able to offer in 
the near future an edition that will correct, to some 
extent, the imperfections of this. 

In conclusion, we cannot do better than quote from 
remarks made by Henry Goldmark, M. Am. Soc. C. 
E.: "The whole question of timber preservation is, 
after all, one of economy. The point is not whether 
the ordinary or an improved creosote process is the 
best thing, but whether something else much cheaper 
will not, at least for railroad ties, serve a useful pur- 
pose." This we think is no longer a question. 

Note. — Railroad managers wishing extra copies 
for use in their own works will be supplied on appli- 
cation. 



PRESERVATION OF TIMBER. 



INTRODUCTORY 



Section i. The primary purpose of this treatise is 
to furnish and collate such information as to the 
practical workings as shall enable the operator to 
fully understand the philosophy and principles in- 
volved, and to serve as a hand book of information, 
both during the construction of the works and dur- 
ing the operation of the same. 

In the preservation of timber, the machinery to 
be used, as well as the movements and methods 
used in the operation of the process, are somewhat 
complex; just as in the manufacture of steel, in the 
process of making or refining sugar or of almost 
any line of mechanical business, so that to insure 
proper results the operator must not only have a 
thorough knowledge of the principles involved, but 
must have a thorough training in the method of 
handling the plant. 

In the first place the works are expensive, the 
amount of capital involved in the erection and 
equipment is a very large amount; then the chemi- 
cals are costly, hence any mistake in handling or 
failure to do good work is an expensive mistake, in- 
deed. 

The appliances for the treatment of timber have 
been brought to such degree of efficiency that, if 
properly handled, there is little chance of failure or 
disappointment in the results. 

VARIOUS PROCESSES USED. 

Sec. 2. While, as generally conceded, the use of 
dead oil product of coal tar, usually called creosote. 



has shown in some cases high results, yet for sev- 
eral reasons reference to it will be but incidental, 
and attention will be given almost exclusively to 
that of the Burnett and to the Zinc-Tannin or Well- 
house processes, in which the chloride of zinc is 
the preservative agent. There are two reasons why 
the creosote process will be largely restricted in its 
use. In the first place, the process is very expen- 
sive, the oil being more and more costly from year 
to year, and in the second place, there is the diffi- 
culty and uncertainty of getting a suitable article. 
Its much greater cost will necessarily restrict its 
use to cases where the amount of timber is small 
and the lasting quality of the timber paramount. 

On the other hand, the zinc-tannin process, cost- 
ing but a fraction of that of the former, has been 
found only less effective, showing an economy that 
is very marked, especially when applied to the treat- 
ment of railroad cross-ties and bridge timber. It is 
therefore the purpose to treat here of this matter 
with reference to this line of work. 

As the Wellhouse process is a modification of the 
Burnett, the latter will be noticed only incidentally, 
but the former, being the more complex, will be 
treated of at length. 

ZINC-TANNIN OR WELLHOUSE PROCESS. 
METHODS AND RULES. 

Sec. 3. The Zinc-Tannin or Wellhouse process 
for treating and preserving railroad cross-ties, 
bridge or other timbers against early decay, consists 
in first subjecting the timber to the action of steam 
in an air-tight, sealed retort for such length of time 
as is found necessary to open the pores of the tim- 
ber and loosen and expel the natural saps. This is 
followed by a vacuum of from 18 to 26 inches, 
thereby withdrawing all the vapors and freeing the 
timber from condensations of steam introduced and 
of the volatilized saps. 

Sec. 4. This is followed by the introduction of 



zinc-chloride in solution one and a half to three per 
cent strong, as the character of the timber under 
treatment shall require, the solution carrying at 
the same time one-half of one per cent in weight of 
dissolved glue. 

This solution is held under pressure of lOO pounds 
for a period of two and one-half hours to six hours, 
depending, as before, on the character and condition 
of the timber treated. 

Sec. 5. The retort is then freed by forcing the 
chloride solution back into its receptacle and in- 
troducing a one-half of one per cent solution of 
tannin and holding it under pressure, as with the 
zinc and glue, for two hours or thereabout and then 
withdrawing it, completing the operation. This 
process is sometimes varied by introducing the glue 
in a separate solution, in which case a separate tub 
will be necessary for the glue solution. 

Sec. 6. This process under consideration differs 
from the Burnett only in the addition of the glue 
followed by the tannin, the glue and the tannin com- 
bining and forming a leathery and insoluble product 
which helps to render the timber impervious to the 
absorption and giving off of water, so protecting 
the chloride, which is supposed to be easily washed 
out of the timber, thus losing its antiseptic effect. 

Sec. 7. The wide range in time is necessary to 
meet the difference in the character and condition of 
the timber, and the proper and most economical 
and effective practice can only be fixed by first 
determining what absorption can be secured, and 
thenceforward conforming to this. This can best 
be done by varying the time or the strength of the 
solution, or both. 

Sec. 8. A very important requirement is that the 
timber being treated shall have a reasonable 
amount of seasoning, say sixty to ninety days, vary- 
ing in length of time as climatic conditions shall 
vary. 

In a warm, dry climate, sixty days may be ample. 



while in a moist, cold climate much more time will 
be necessary to fit the timber for good results. 

Sec. 9. The amount of antiseptic introduced, and 
its thorough dissemination through the piece, is the 
essential point to be attained. 

It is only by careful observation and study by an 
experienced management that the best results can 
be secured. 

CAUTION. 

v. 

Sec. ID. The process and methods here outlined 
have been in practice many years with results that 
place them beyond the sphere of experiment, hence 
any departure from them with a view to improve 
should be guarded against and deprecated by the 
management. Any experiments in the direction of 
improvement should be made by those competent to 
direct and situated to carry out a long series of ex- 
periments. Even this should be attempted with 
caution and hesitation, as it takes long to get defi- 
nite results. 

APPLIANCES. 

Sec. II. The appliances used are much the same 
as those for the Burnett or creosote processes, the 
minor appliances for preparing the chemicals only 
differing. In each and all the steaming is identical, 
and the storing tanks and piping are interchange- 
able from one process to the other. 

First — The steam plant for furnishing the neces- 
sary steam to the retort, for driving the different 
pumps and machinery, including a dynamo to fur- 
nish light, and to steam coils for heating the 
works. 

The electric light is quite essential, as the works 
should run night and day. 

Second — The retort, sometimes called the cylin- 
der, made of steel plate, and of such dimensions as 
will receive the charge with its tram cars on which 
the timber is loaded in such shape as to fill the cylin- 



der as nearly as possible. The retort most con- 
venient is usually about io6 feet in clear length, 
capable of receiving thirteen tram cars with their 
loads of eight-feet ties, and of such diameter as is 
deemed most suitable and convenient, generally 
about six feet. It contains tracks on which the 
tram cars run, the gauge of which is the same as 
that of the tram-yard tracks, by means of which 
the charge is run in and out. 

The retort is provided with a strong door, self- 
sealing, or may be hand-bolted as may be desired, 
fitting tightly to resist pressure and to prevent leak- 
age and waste. 

Third — The vacuum pump, used to free the retort 
from air and vapors remaining after the steam has 
been released from it, to encourage the outflow of 
natural saps of the timber and to prepare it for the 
ready absorption of the solution by freeing it from 
hot vapors and expanding the small amount of va- 
pors remaining. In connection with the vacuum 
pump, and a very important adjunct, is the surface 
condenser and the hot-well, by which the vapors 
are condensed before reaching the vacuum pump, 
relieving it of a large part of its labors. 

Fourth — The air compressor, by which the solu- 
tion used is forced back into its receptacle quickly, 
by pumping air into the retort, as well as for other 
purposes where compressed air is desired. 

Fifth — The force pump, by which pressure is pro- 
duced upon the charge in the retort, a boiler-feed 
pump, a pump for handling water for the various 
purposes about the plant and for fire security. 

Sixth — Large tanks or receptacles for the various 
solutions, consisting of a tank for the prepared 
chloride solution, a tank for the tannin solution and 
a tank for water storage, each of which should be of 
such dimensions as will amply meet the require- 
ments of the plant. 

Standard railway tanks will do for a small plant, 
say for two retorts, but for a larger plant a tank 30 
feet in diameter and 20 feet deep, holding some- 



ki 







10 



thing like 100,000 gallons, is about what is most 
suitable. These may be of wood, iron bound except 
for creosote, which should be steel throughout. 

Seventh — The vats for the preparation of the 
chloride should be of wood, lead lined, the one for 
dissolving ten feet square and two and a half feet 
deep, and the storage vat for concentrated solution, 
say eight by twelve feet and three and one-half feet 
deep. The concentrated chloride, as well as the 
acid used in its manufacture, are both destructive 
to iron or even steel, hence a lining of half-inch lead 
is interposed on which the acids will not act, hence 
will last for years. A small mixing tub for dissolv- 
ing glue, say about eight feet in diameter and four 
feet deep, in which it is soaked and dissolved, and 
to some extent diluted preparatory to mixing with 
the chloride solution, is usually used. The tannin 
requires a similar tub, in which four or five barrels 
of the bark extract can be emptied, diluted and used. 

To each of these mixing vats or tubs is provided 
an ejector, by means of which the contents can be 
forced up into the proper receptacle as needed. The 
pipes and valves, through which the concentrated 
solution is passed, must be of chemically pure lead, 
as the lining is. 

Eighth — The system of iron piping to carry 
through all the different movements is too exten- 
sive and complicated to be described, except in a 
general way, as almost every case calls for some 
modification on account of special conditions. 
They can be divided and described in the following 
order: 

(a) The solution pipes consist of a system of 
large iron pipes connecting the solution tubs with 
the retort by which the movement is quickly made, 
the full control of which is in the hands of the 
operator by means of a system of valves. 

(b) The air and vacuum pipes are a system of 
piping through which connection between the retort 
and the vacuum pump and the air compressor is 
made, by which vacuum is drawn and by which 

11 




Solution pipes for three movement for Zinc-Tannin plant, 

ROWE & ROWE. 

12 



air is forced into the retort in forcing back the solu- 
tion to its receptacle, and also by which the steam or 
the air is released from the retort. 

(c) The circulating system is a system of minor 
pipes, including a force pump by which a plentiful 
stream of cold water is forced through the surface 
condenser during production of vacuum, by means 
of which the steam and vapors from the retort are 
condensed and cooled before reaching the vacuum 
pump. 

(d) The blow-back system is a set of pipes of 
minor size by which the last remnant of solution is 
forced back into its proper receptacle by means of 
the air compressor continuing its service after the 
solution valves are closed. 

(e) The puddler consists of a system of small 
pipes connecting between the compressor and the 
solution tubs, the chloride dissolving vat, the chlo- 
ride storage vat and the glue and tannin mixing 
tubs, by which they may be agitated by a stream of 
air from the compressor. 

This is quite important, as it keeps the chemicals 
in the solution in suspension and aids in rapidly 
dissolving those in the mixing or dissolving vats. 

(f) Steam coils and heating pipes. These con- 
sist of steam coils in each of the solution tubs by 
which the desired temperature is secured to each 
solution; also such radiators as may be necessary to 
heat the building, all having steam direct from the 
steam boilers and discharging all condensations by 
means of a steam trap to the boiler-feed tank or to 
any desired hot-water reservoir. 

(g) Steam pipes. The steam pipes from the 
boilers by which steam is furnished to each of the 
pumps, engines, etc., need not be further noticed 
here except to say that they should be of ample size 
and should lead as direct as possible to each ma- 
chine, and should be well protected against radia- 
tion. This should be especially and effectually done 
with the line conveying steam to the stationary 



13 




14 



power by which charges are handled, which are 
located at considerable distance from the boilers. 

(h) Suction and discharge pipes of the various 
pumps need here only be mentioned. 

(i) Service and security against fire. 

In large plants, a large force pump connecting 
with an ample supply of water in case of fire break- 
ing out, the discharge of which, with its pipes, to 
the various parts of the works, and sufficient number 
of hydrants and ample supply of hose, is a very im- 
portant adjunct. It may be made to do general 
pumping service at the same time being always 
ready for a fire. 

(j) Automatic drain from the retort. This is 
an arrangement of pipes connecting the drain well 
of the retort to the sewer by which all condensa- 
tions during the operation of steaming shall be car- 
ried to the sewer, thereby keeping the retort as free 
as possible from water. 

It may be arranged to operate automatically by 
means of a steam trap, or it may be operated by the 
operator by means of a valve in case the steam trap 
fails to operate. 

All of these systems must be planned and plainly 
delineated to work together harmoniously, nowhere 
interfering with each other, and each constructed 
so as to do its work properly, and the outlines and 
dimensions put on paper so that the shop men can 
make every piece and put it in its place. 

Ninth — The power required for charging and 
discharging the retort, and for moving the tram 
cars in the yard, is furnished by a stationary engine. 
By means of a drum and cables supplemented by 
fixed snatch pulleys in different positions, the op- 
eration can be carried several hundred feet each 
way. Two and sometimes more of these shifting 
engines are required in a large plant. 

Tenth — Tram-yard tracks. This consists of a 
system of tram tracks conforming in gauge to the 
tracks in the retort and extending with switches, 
cross-overs, etc., such as the dimensions of the 

15 



works shall require, by which timber is brought 
from a standard railroad yard or t'rom storage piles 
and conveyed to and from the retort, and again 
discharged into piles or loaded on cars for reship- 
ment. While the gauge of these tracks must be 
the same as that in the retort, yet heavier rails may 
be used, and 48 to 56 old rails can be utilized. 
Eleventh — Loading and unloading platform. 
As the amount of material to be handled is great, 
and the timber is very heavy and unwieldy, every 
care must be taken to reduce this labor to a mini- 
mum. The elevated platform, conforming to the 
height of the floor of a car, has been found a very 
great help, the charge from, the retort being run 
up an incline on to it and there unloaded into cars 
for outshipment. 

Twelfth — Steam derrick. Where timber and pil- 
ing are treated in connection with cross-ties, and 
the quantity justifies, a traveling steam derrick is 
very useful, especially with long piles and timber. 

Where gondola cars are to be had for outgoing 
ties, the tram loads can be placed in them bodily. 

Thirteenth — Tram cars or buggies, on which the 
timber is designed to be treated, or loaded, are com- 
pactly and strongly built, weigh from 800 to 1,000 
pounds each, and are provided with two curved 
arms on each side, conforming to section of the re- 
tort, and have a capacity of from 30 to 45 standard 
cross-ties, as they may be hewn or sawed. With 
length of tie eight feet, 12 to 14 cars make a charge, 
depending on length of the retort. 

For long timber and piling a car of much the 
same dimensions, but provided with a strong bolster 
turning freely on the center of the tram, instead of 
the two pairs of arms, is used. The timber or pile 
is loaded on two cars and, by means of the bolster, 
the car can turn curves freely in the yard where 
curves are unavoidable in works of any extent. 
Fourteenth — Scales for weighing timber. 
As the amount of absorption of the chemicals in 
solution by the timber is of the first importance, any 

17 





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means necessary to determine this accurately should 
be employed. The indicator measurements is the 
one of main reliance in determining this, and to 
check this a four-ton platform scale, set in the tram 
track at a convenient point for weighing, is perhaps 
the best means to be devised. On this a tram load 
or a single piece can be weighed, first before treat- 
ing and again after, whereby knowing the weight 
and strength of the solution, the amount of the 
chemical absorbed, can be determined accurately. 

Fifteenth — Buildings, 

Where a plant is to be operated continuously day 
and night, and in all climates and kinds of weather, 
the buildings must necessarily cover and protect the 
machinery and appliances effectually. Ordinarily, 
wooden buildings or wood covered with corrugated 
iron on sides and tar paper, tar and gravel for roof, 
are found best adapted to the purpose. These can 
be made to effectually shelter the works, are cheap, 
and as the plant and its operation are not always 
permanent, this form of building is best adapted to 
easy removal, with little loss, if the necessity comes. 
The buildings particularly required are: 

(a) The building covering the retorts. 

(b) The machinery room, containing all pumps, 
valves and machinery, with the exception of the 
shifting engines in the yard. The machinery must 
be compactly arranged so as to be under the eye 
and hand of the operator, 

(c) The boiler room containing the boilers, feed 
pumps, etc. 

(d) The chloride vat room. 

(e) The storerooms for storage of chemicals. 

(f) Blacksmith shop and repairing room. 

(g) Office, 

(h) Housing for shifting engines. 

Sixteenth — Lighting, 

A small electric plant is almost indispensable. It 
may consist of a small steam engine operated by 
steam from the boilers and a dynamo good for ten 
arc lights of 1600 c. p. or its equivalent, furnishing 

19 



four or five lights outside and any desired number 
of incandescent lights inside. 

RULES OF OPERATION. 
GENERAL. 

Sec. 12. In operations where the plant consists of 
one, two or three retorts, it is usual to start the 
charges about an hour apart, so that the use of com- 
pressor and vacuum pump will not interfere and can 
be applied to each retort in turn; thus all three re- 
torts can be operated by the one machine. If the 
plant has more than three retorts, say four or six, 
then a second compressor and vacuum pump will be 
required, and the retorts can and should be run in 
pairs. 

Each retort requires its own force or pressure 
pump and its separate system of piping for solution, 
steam and air, so arranged as to serve each retort in 
its turn. 

The details of operation, more specifically given, 
are divided about as follows: 

(a) Preparing the charge and manner of loading 
the timber. 

As it is essential that the steam and the solution, 
each in its turn, shall have free access to all sides 
of the timber (each piece), a space must be left or 
reserved for this, especially for sawed stuff, other- 
wise the operation will be greatly impeded or en- 
tirely defeated. 

A compactly loaded mass of timber will act much 
as if it was still unsawed. This has been exemplified 
in the nine-foot retort, where, even with quarter- 
inch iron strips between, the steaming requires from 
three to four times as long a time as that required 
where the pieces are properly separated, and the 
same is true as to pressure on solution. A one-inch 
strip, or an ordinary barrel stave, will do with 
sawed ties. Hewn ties do not need this. 

In loading, the ties should be arranged to con- 
form to the loading gauge, so that there will be no 

20 



interference in charging, and there firmly chained, 
care being taken to have the load even at the ends 
so as to allow the inspector easy access for counting 
and stamping. 

The stamping die should be a hammer about the 
weight of a small railroad spike maul, weighing 
three and a half to four pounds, with handle similar 
and with the die full faced and deeply cut (three- 
eighth-inch), vertical and not tapering, securing an 
impression deep enough to last as long as the timber 
itself. 

The loaded cars are then assembled to make the 
proper charge, and are then, by means of the shift- 
ing engine, cables and pulleys, drawn into the re- 
tort, the doors closed and sealed, when all is ready 
for: 

(b) Steaming. 

The steam is introduced into the retort, prefer- 
ably at each end and nearly at the bottom. Mean- 
while the blow-off at the top of the retort is kept 
open to allow the air to escape until the retort is 
full of steam. When the retort is entirely filled, the 
blow-oflf is closed and the steam is accumulated until 
it has reached a pressure of twenty pounds per 
square inch and there held throughout the entire 
remaining time required — four to six hours. This 
pressure is fixed as the maximum, as the tempera- 
ture of the steam is then at near 250 degrees Fah., 
about all that the timber will bear without scorching 
and injury to its fiber. Frequently during the 
steaming, the condensations should be drawn ofif 
from the retort, by means of the automatic blow-off. 
to the sewer, accelerating the dryness of the steam 
and reducing condensation, and securing greater 
dryness in the timber after the vacuum is drawn. 
The steam is then blown off, being discharged into 
the air. 

(c) The vacuum. 

When the steam is fully blown off the retort 
should be allowed to cool for a little time, the cir- 
culating water should be started through the surface 

21 



condenser and allowed to flow, insuring the greatest 
degree of cold surface to the hot vapors from the 
retort before the vacuum pump is started, thus pre- 
venting these hot vapors from injuring the valves of 
the pump. 

In a one or two retort plant, one of the force 
pumps can be utilized for pumping the circulating 
water; but in a large plant, either the service and 
fire pump will answer, or a special pump will be 
necessary. 

Thus having cooled the condenser, the vacuum is 
drawn, raising it as fast as is practicable to 20 at 
26 inches, and there holding it for half an hour or 
more, if desired. If the hot-well catching the con- 
densation fills so that the contents are thrown off 
through the vacuum pump, and it is desired to 
measure it, resort must be had to an auxiliary res- 
ervoir, so arranged as to receive the surplus when 
necessary. The practicability of measuring these 
condensations with a view to determine the amount 
of sap extracted from the timber, is a matter of 
doubt, and will be noticed further on. 

A marked advantage has been secured in treating 
obdurate timber (dense, wet or green), by interpos- 
ing a vacuum at an intermediate time during the 
steaming, blowing off the latter, drawing a vacuum 
and again introducing the steam while the vacuum 
is still held. This idea is worth investigatmg when 
opportunity offers. 

It is practicable to have a suction pipe connecting 
the drain-well of the retort with the hot-well by 
which any condensations gathering will be collected 
in the hot-well during the vacuum operation. 

(d) Introducing the chloride solution. 

The vacuum having been on for sufficient time, it 
is still held, and the valve in the solution pipe is 
opened and the solution allowed to flow in, which 
it does very rapidly by the help of the vacuum, until 
the retort is entirely filled, the air pipe being opened 
to allow the escape of the remaining air in the re- 
tort and then closed. 

22 



The solution should be heated from 80 to 100 de- 
grees Fah. before introduced, as it is found that the 
chloride is held best in suspension at about that 
temperature. 

When the retort is filled and the air pipe closed, 
the force or pressure pump is at once started and the 
pressure raised to 100 pounds per square inch, which 
should be done in a very short time, and there held 
for such time as shall be judged best to meet the 
nature of the timber. 

A measuring vat. in which the estimated quantity 
of solution that the charge should receive is held, 
is recommended by some as a good thing, as, by 
attaching the suction of the pressure pump to the 
vat and running it until the vat is exhausted, the 
timber will have absorbed the proper amount of the 
solution. 

Careful reading of the indicator about the time 
the pressure from the pump begins, and then again 
at times during which pressure remains, will give a 
very close measurement of the amount absorbed 
during that time, but of course there is no means 
of determining how much was absorbed before 
pressure was secured. The indicator reading before 
introducing and again after forcing back, gives the 
most accurate measurement possible, except, per- 
haps, the weighing before and after, 

(e) Returning the chloride solution to its re- 
ceptacle is the next move, and is accomplished by 
means of the air compressor by which air is forced 
into the retort. When it is quite cleared the valve 
in the main solution pipe is closed, and the blow- 
back is used to clear the retort of the last remnant 
of solution, which is carried to its proper tub by an 
overhead pipe, 

(f) Introduction of the tannin solution. 

As soon as the chloride solution has been cleared 
from the retort, the tannin solution is introduced, 
put under pressure and so held for the desired pe- 
riod, and forced back to its receptacle in every re- 
spect as with the chloride, except that the time held 



under the pressure of lOO pounds need not be so 
long, as the action of the tannin is quite super- 
ficial. 

This completes the operation. The doors being 
opened, the charge is removed from the retort. 
The next charge being prepared is run in, the doors 
are closed, and the whole program is repeated. A 
charge takes from lo to 12 hours. 

RULES FOR MIXING CHEMICALS. 

ZINC-TANNIN OR WELLHOUSE PROCESS. CHEMICALS 
USED. 

Chloride of Zinc. (Znclg.) 

Sec. 13. The principal antiseptic agent used in 
this process is the chloride of zinc. The chloride 
can be m.ade on the ground by the combination of 
hydrochloric acid (muriatic) with common metallic 
zinc, or the commercial product in the form of a 
salt furnished in large drums or rolls protected by 
a covering of thin sheet iron. There is but little 
difference in the cost, the difference being in favor 
of the commercial article. 

(a) By empiric experiment the hydrochloric 
acid and the zinc combine about as follows: 800 
pounds Hclo, 20 degrees B to 100 pounds Zn., will 
produce 813 pounds of 46 per cent zinc chloride, or 
375 pounds of pure chloride. With acid at i^c per 
pound and the zinc at 5 6-ioc, the cost per pound 
pure chloride will be about 5.6c per pound. 

(b) One reason in favor of manufacturing or 
preparing the chloride at the works is that its qual- 
ity and purity are more easily controlled against 
adulterating impurities. Its preparation may be 
done by having two dissolving vats, so as to prepare 
one while the other is being used. 

(c) The commercial chloride being most readily 
obtained and more convenient to use, is being gen- 
erally used, hence, in the rules here given, the com- 
mercial chloride will be understood. 

24 



(d) The impurities in the salt should not exceed 
three per cent in weight, and are, with one excep- 
tion, quite harmless, except as an impurity. The 
presence of a small amount of iron, however, say 
one-half of one per cent, should condemn it, as the 
iron neutralizes the chloride and at the same time 
is said to injure the wood fiber. 

(e) The commercial salt will often have a small 
amount of free, uncombined acid, which is de- 
structive to wood fiber if present in any great 
amount, hence the dissolving as well as the storage 
vat should contain a liberal allowance of the zinc 
blocks to take it up, and the time allowed for its 
action should be as extended as possible. 

(f) A graphic table of weight and specific grav- 
ity of chloride of zinc is here given, which gives 
the data on which the table for quantities, in Table 
"B," is computed. While it is not claimed to be 
exact, yet it gives a sufficiently close approximation 
and serves the purpose. It is the summing up of 
numerous trials. 

GELATINE (Glue). 

Sec. 14. Commercial glue of good quality con- 
tains the gelatine which, under the Wellhouse 
process, forms a part of the plugging up substance 
by its combination with the tannin. Glues vary 
considerably in the amount of gelatine contained, 
but 60 per cent is supposed to be a fair estimate for 
a good commercial article. 

(a) The per cent in weight of water at 60 degrees 
Fah. that any glue will absorb, is said to be about 
the best test of quality. A first-class glue, it is 
said, will absorb 13 parts of water to i of glue, but 
it is found that some of the best cabinet glues will 
not take over 5 or 6 in the 24-hours' test. 

(b) It has been, and now is, the practice to use 
a solution in combination with the chloride consist- 
ing of one-half of one per cent of the total in glue. 
The tannin solution, containing the same amount of 

25 



tannin extract which will combine in about equal 
parts, forming with the glue the leathery substance 
in the wood pores. 

(c) The specific gravity of a fair glue should be, 
when perfectly dry, about 1.42, and should readily 
take six times its weight of water when imm-ersed 
in it at 60 degrees Fah. for 24 hours. 

To determine the specific gravity of any sample 
of glue, take a graduated tube, say a 200 c. cm. 
measure. First put in 100 c. cm. water, then weigh 
out one ounce of the dry glue and drop it into the 
tube, noting, immediately, the point to which the 
water is raised by the addition of the glue. The 
difiference in the height of the water in the tube be- 
fore and after adding the glue, will be the volume 
of the one ounce of glue in cubic centimeters, from 
which its weight and specific gravity can at once 
be computed. 

(d) Then to determine the amount of water it 
will absorb, add to the above another 100 c. cm. of 
water, place it in a place where the temperature is 
constant at 60 degrees Fah. for 24 hours, when the 
proportion of water unabsorbed will appear clearly 
to the eye. Note this in c. cm. and divide by the 
whole 200 c. cm. of water, thus determining the 
proportion absorbed. 

(e) In a one-half of one per cent solution of 
glue, the specific gravity will be inappreciably 
greater than pure water, so that the only means of 
determining its strength is to carefully weigh in the 
dry glue whenever the solution is renewed, the 
quantity of glue being always the one-half of one 
per cent by weight of water charged with the glue, 
and computed in the same ways as for the chloride 
solution. 

(f) It is usual, on account of impurities in the 
glue, to discount these by putting in an excess, say 
where 100 pounds of tannin is called for, use no 
pounds of glue. While it is understood that the 
glue and the tannin combine in about equal quanti- 
ties, yet it is safe to have a slight excess of the for- 

26 



mer. for the reason that if glue should be entirely 
or even partially absent there would be no action 
by the tannirt. and it would go back into the solu- 
tion tub as strong" as before used. In any case, if 
sufficient glue is not present, full action of the tan- 
nin cannot be expected. 

TANNIN EXTRACT. 

Sec. 15. The tannin extract of hemlock bark is 
mostly used in this process, containing from 15 to 
30 per cent of tannic acid, presumably about a safe 
mean of 22 per cent. 

(a) As the amount of active properties in the 
combination, both as to the glue and the tannin, 
long practice has taught that they should be used 
in about equal quantities. As the glue is first ab- 
sorbed, and the tannin following neutralizes so much 
of the glue as it may reach, the overplus of the 
tannin being carried back with the returned solu- 
tion, there is no waste by having the tannin solution 
markedly stronger than the prescribed one-half of 
one per cent. The strength of the tub solution of 
tannin should be tested from time to time by com- 
parison of its action on a reagent, as will be ex- 
plained later on. 

(b) As regards the penetration of the tannin 
into the timber, although the tannin solution is com- 
plete, that is, the acid is held in complete suspen- 
sion and w'ill go wherever the water will go, yet its 
action is and must be largely superficial from the 
fact that it has no such aid or favorable conditions 
as does the chloride solution. That there is a por- 
tion of the glue not reached by it is a matter of 
speculation, and it is probable that owing to the 
viscosity of the glue its action is also largely su- 
perficial as well. Be this true, it is what it should 
be. 

(c) The hemlock bark extract carrying the 
tannic acid is of a reddish brown color, hard when 



cold, but when under temperature of lOO degrees 
Fah. or over is the consistency of thin molasses 
and flows freely. 

Its specific gravity is about 1.22, but when a half 
of one per cent solution, there is no appreciable 
excess over pure water. 

(d) The commercial extract is put into barrels 
holding about five hundred pounds and over, four 
or five barrels usually making a batch. 

To thoroughly dissolve, a quantity of water is 
added and a moderate amount of steam is turned 
in by means of a small steam pipe in the tub, by 
which the extract is thoroughly agitated and mod- 
erately heated, after which additional water can be 
added, so that some fixed depth from the mixing 
tub will equal the quantity of tannin needed for 
each tub foot in the tannin solution tub, 

(e) When tannin and glue are combined the 
mixture, after time is given for the combination of 
the two, and all unassimilated portions are washed 
out, and the residuum dried, gives a dark-brown, 
semi-transparent substance that is quite hard and 
brittle. It is insolvent in water and incombustible, 
simply charring to a cinder much as would be with 
charred leather. Under the microscope, it has the 
appearance of an opaque resin, and a similar sub- 
stance by appearance is found in the sap cells of 
the treated timber, not in untreated timber. 

PREPARATION OF CHEMICALS FOR USE. 

Sec. 16. The chloride of zinc. 

(a) Dissolving: The fused chloride (commer- 
cial) should be dissolved into stock solution, a con- 
centrated solution from 35 to 50 per cent strong, 
some little time before used, say 24 hours if prac- 
ticable, so that it shall be thoroughly dissolved, and 
that any free acid it may contain will have time to 
be taken up by the spelter (zinc) kept in the dis- 
solving vat for that purpose. 

The drums or rolls of fused chloride should then 



be divested of the iron covering, weighed, and if 
the works are provided with a trolley carrier, be 
placed bodily in the dissolving vat, or in absence 
of the trolley, they should be broken into smaller 
fragments and dropped from planks placed over 
the vat, which should have been previously partially 
filled with water. In placing the pieces in the vat, 
care must be taken that the lead lining of the vat 
be not injured. 

(b) The following will guide as to the amount 
of the salt to be weighed in, and as to the amount 
of water for dissolving. First fill vat about half 
full, and then add the chloride and fill with water 
to the height indicated: 

For 35 per cent stock solution — 

6,296 pounds salt, and fill to 2.2 vertical feet. 
For 40 per cent — 

7,865 pounds salt, and fill to 2.3 vertical feet. 
For 45 per cent — 

9,285 pounds salt, and fill to 2.3 vertical feet. 
For 50 per cent — 

10,860 pounds salt, and fill to 2.3 vertical feet. 

(c) This computation is based upon a mixing 
vat ten feet square and two and one-half feet deep, 
and, being lead lined with half-inch sheet lead, has 
approximately an area of 99.4 square feet. 

The above is a fair guide, remembering that the 
exact amount of the salt or the resulting strength 
of solution is not essential, as any intermediate 
strength can be used by the same means of com- 
putation. 

A solution of from 40 to 50 per cent is about the 
most convenient. 

(d) When this stock solution is well neutralized 
and dissolved, it is drawn of? into the storage vat, 
a lead-lined vat the same as the mixing vat, except 
in dimensions. This vat is provided with a steam 
ejector by which the concentrated stock solution is 
forced into the solution tub or tank through a dis- 
charge pipe passing over the top and there dis- 
charging. 

29 





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31 



PREPARATION OF DILUTED TUB SOLU- 
TION. 

Sec. 17. (a) Assuming the size of the storage vat 
to be 8 by 12 feet, area being 96 feet, and the solution 
tub being 30 feet in diameter, wood and iron bound, 
with a mean area of 664 square feet, then we have 
for putting up the stock chloride from storage vat 
to the diluted solution tub, Table "B," giving the 
number of cubic feet of stock solution for each tub 
foot required, hence by multiplying this by the 
number of tub feet to be charged, and dividing the 
result by the area of the storage vat (96 sq. ft.), 
gives the vertical feet to put up. 

Dilution of Chloride Solution. 

(b) To make up the first tub of solution, say two 
per cent strong, fill solution tub with water to say 17 
feet, the tub being 20 feet deep, each tub foot being 
equal to 664 cubic feet (mean area of tub) by 17 
vertical feet, equal 11,288 cu. ft. multiplied by 62.3 
lbs. (weight of cu. ft. of water) equals 703,242 lbs. 
water. 

Then as 98 per cent of water is to the two per 
cent of chloride, so is 703,242 lbs. of water to 14,352 
lbs. pure chloride required. 

Then for cubic feet in volume of the two per cent 
chloride we have: Water, 702,242 lbs., which divide 
by 62.:^ lbs. equals 11,288 cu. ft., and chloride, 14,352 
lbs., which divide by 200.0 lbs., equals 71.76, making 
total of 11,359.76 cubic feet or about 17.2 vertical or 
tub feet. 

DETERMINING STRENGTH OF CHLORIDE 
SOLUTION. 

(c) No more satisfactory means have been found 
for testing the strength of the chloride solution than 
the Beaume Hydrometer, using the coarse hydro- 
meter, one to sixty degrees for the concentrated and 
the fine hydrometer, one to six degrees, divided to 
i-ioth degree, for the highly diluted solutions. In 

32 



the heavier solutions, say 30 to 60 degree, the influ- 
ence of temperature is small, so that no account need 
be made for it, but with that highly diluted it is 
necessary to define the effect of temperature very 
carefully to get true measurement of strength. 

To meet this, the table (A), Nos. I., II. and III., 
has been prepared by means of empiric tests sub- 
jected to a law of curve developed by trial, by which 
a close approximation has been made. Comparison 
of calculated quantities used in one month's run, 
with the actual quantity of stock used, has served 
to confirm the exactness of the tables. 

Table No. V. gives the same graphically, the 
curves described being true spirals both as to the 
variation under increased heat and for the points at 
which the per cent of strength agrees with the de- 
grees Beaume. 

The use of the hydrometer is impracticable with 
the glue and the tannin solution, either being about 
the same specific gravity as water. 

WATER FOR DILUTION. 

Sec. 18. It is here proper to notice the character 
of the water to be used in this connection in making 
up the chloride solution. 

In carrying through the process, a considerable 
quantity of water, variously estimated at 15 to 25 
thousand gallons per day per retort, including the 
supply for steam and circulating purposes as well, 
is used. Pure water is very desirable and its quan- 
tity is important, for, should it be bounteous, much 
may be saved in water saving appliances. There are 
some locations where it is desirable to locate works 
that the quantity is meager and the quality is poor. 

Sec. 19. Alkaline waters usually found in the 
western plains and mountains is, while undesirable, 
yet not unusable as while the efifect is to some 
extent deleterious, yet not to the extent that would 
forbid its use. One of the effects is its liability to 



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36 



combine with the zinc chloride, by which a fraction 
of the zinc is thrown down, reducing its effectiveness 
to the extent of such combination. 

Another effect of the alkaline water is to affect 
the specific gravity for which allowance must be 
made, the amount to be determined by a comparison 
with distilled water at 60 deg. Fah. and subtracting 
the difference from the hydrometric reading in test- 
ing tub solution. 

CHARACTER OF THE WORK AND AP- 
PLIANCES. 

Sec. 20. The business of timber treating is not 
new, neither has it been successfully employed in all 
cases. It has had to pass through the various stages 
of development like the manufacture of steel, Port- 
land cement and other lines of manufacture, with its 
modicum of failures and successes. Now, when suc- 
cess is to some extent attained, it is believed that the 
exercise of knowledge and intelligence is the only 
means by which recurrent failure will be avoided. 
This fact cannot be too deeply impressed; also that 
a thorough knowledge of the practical part of the 
business, the movements of the process and the 
nature of the agent used, and a thorough training 
in the practical handling of the works are absolutely 
necessary to good results. In the operator, to all 
this must be added a determined purpose to enforce 
all rules and requirements, otherwise /azVwr^ will be 
almost sure and very expensive. 

Sec. 21. To give the operator a fair show to carry 
the work properly, his convenience and the effi- 
ciency of his force, as well as the economical opera- 
tion of the work, must be considered and carefully 
provided for. 

Every part of the works should be easy of access 
and compactly arranged so as to be under the eye 
and hand of the operator. 

Every part should be substantially built so that 
repairs will be infrequent. 

37 



Ample store houses and storage for all material 
and stock to be used, as well as a good stock on 
hand, should be provided. 

Each machine, pump, engine, boiler, should be 
selected to perform the kind and quantity of work 
that is expected from it, as the failure of any one 
to perform its functions promptly and properly en- 
tails a loss of time for the plant and its whole force. 
Where so much capital is involved, it is worth while 
to attend to these considerations at the start. 

INSTALLATION. 

Sec. 22. When the retort and all the machinery 
are in place and the works generally in condition to 
commence operation, the following preparatory 
steps are necessary to prevent confusion and to 
secure the data that is necessary for future compu- 
tations and operation. 

All tanks, reservoirs, tubs and vats should be 
filled with water so as to cause the wood to swell 
to tightness; the steam pipes, with steam and all 
other pipes, including the retort, with water, so that 
all leakage can be discovered and cured and that 
everything be permanently and reliably tight, 150 
lbs. cold water pressure to be put on as final test. 

The pumps and machinery should be connected 
and steam put on and everything tested as to its 
running promptly and in good order. 

The retort door should be carefully adjusted so 
that the gland will correspond exactly with the pack- 
ing groove in the retort flange and the door swing 
freely and truly on its hinges; that the locking 
levers radiate truly from the center and that the "Y" 
bolts be well adjusted, so that, in closing the door, 
all the levers will come to bearing at the same time. 

VOLUME OF RETORT. 

Sec. 23. In computing the amount of absorption, 
the amount of timber, etc., in volume, it is neces- 
sar}-^ to know exactly how much the retort holds. 



Close the retort, note the indicator reading on 
the solution tub, then open the main valve and en- 
tirely fill the retort with the water, again reading 
the indicator, and the vertical feet used by the area 
of the tub will be the volume of the retort. It would 
be well to include such number of tram cars as are 
used in a charge of ties, as this will be used in case 
of ties at all times. This, if carefully done, is more 
exact than any computation that could be made. 

PREPARING THE CHEAIICALS. 

Sec. 24. Before proceeding to start the works, 
each of the chemicals must be prepared in such 
quantities as will keep on hand a stock sufficient to 
prevent delay in the work. Each solution tub should 
be filled to near its full capacity with a solution of 
proper strength, ready for instant use. For this part 
of the work a carefully instructed assistant should 
be employed and held responsible for the proper 
handling and mixing, and also that sufficient stock 
is held ready for use. 

CHLORIDE OF ZINC. 

Sec. 25. The preparation of the stock solution and 
its dilution in the solution tub is fully treated in 
sections 16 and 17, so that it is only necessary here 
to notice the method by which the stock of solution 
is kept up, both in quantity and strength, by more 
or less frequent renewals. If three retorts are sup- 
plied from a 30-foot tub there will be required some- 
thing like ten tub feet daily, hence this many tub 
feet should be supplied each day. This operation 
consists of pumping so many feet of water into the 
tub and immediately adding the required quantity 
of the chloride as indicated in table "B," multi- 
plying this by the number of tub feet put up. 

For example, suppose that 8^ tub feet is wanted 
and the water has been put up, the strength to be 
25^ per cent and the stock solution is 40 per cent 
strong. We see by table "B" that it requires 30.173 
cubic feet of stock solution to bring each tub foot 



up to 2^ per cent, then 8^x30.173 equal 256.47 
cubic feet of stock solution. Divide this by area of 
storage vat (96 sq. ft.) will give 2.67 vertical feet 
of the 40 per cent chloride to be put up. 

Sec. 26. If more than three retorts are operated, 
an additional storage vat or a larger one will be 
necessary, as the above indicates very nearly the 
capacity of one of the size indicated, and another 
solution tub will be necessary. 

Sec. 27. As before indicated, the solution should 
be tested by means of the fine Beaume hydrometer 
to check the strength, and should it, after being 
well agitated, be found too strong or too weak, then 
addition of water in the former or chloride in the 
latter case is required, the amount of each to be 
computed as before. The deficit in either case 
will be proportional as the per cent. Table "B" 
contains quantities for an error of one-quarter of 
one per cent, which saves trouble sometimes, and 
is near enough for most cases. 

Sec. 28. The matter of monthly stock will be now 
noticed as the same computation comes in here. 
At the starting of the works, or at the beginning of 
each month, there is a certain amount of stock in 
the warehouse and perhaps more arriving. To 
keep a proper account it is necessary to know how 
much stock has been used in the month, or perhaps 
in a separate lot of timber, hence the stock account 
should show just how much is on hand at any mo- 
ment. This will consist of stock in warehouse, 
stock in dissolving vats, in storage vat and also in 
the solution tub, and, knowing the strength of each, 
the whole can be summed up as if it was still in the 
original package. 

The simple rule for solution anywhere near two 
per cent will be to call each cubic foot equal to 
63.4 lbs. Multiplying this by the total number of 
cubic feet in the tub and again by the hydrometric 
strength, will give the number of pounds pure 
chloride in the solution tub. For mixing and storage 
vats use table "B." 

40 



GELATINE. 

Sec. 29. Resuming the consideration of glue from 
Sec. 14, we will take up its preparation with reference 
to its immediate use at the works. Glue comes to 
the works in barrels of 250 lbs. or thereabout, and 
is dissolved in a small tank or dissolving tub into 
which some water has been put. The packages first 
being weighed, then broken, and after turning the 
glue into the tub the empty barrel is weighed and 
the net amount of glue noted. 

Four or five barrels can be used at one time, 
filling the tub with water, so that the glue be well 
covered and left to soak for as long a time as the 
exigencies of the work will allow; preferably 24 
hours. A little steam is then applied so as to render 
the glue homogeneous, adding further amount of 
water to bring up the volume so that some fixed 
measure will indicate how much to throw up for 
each tub foot of the solution. 

If a tub foot contains 664 cubic feet of chloride 
solution, the weight of which is 63.4 lbs., then there 
will be a total weight of 42,098 lbs., of which one- 
half of one per cent would be 210.5 lbs. of glue 
required for each tub foot. But remembering that 
in Sec. 14 ten per cent is to be added, brings the 
amount per tub foot to 230 lbs. 

Dividing the amount of glue put into the dissolv- 
ing tub by 230 lbs., will give the number of tub feet 
that it will supply with the required per cent. 

The strength of the glue, whether mixed with the 
chloride or used separately, is supposed to remain 
constant, only needing new supply in proportion to 
the water added in keeping up the stock of solution. 

TANNIN. 

Sec. 30. The tannin being applied separately and 
being the last application is prepared in its separate 
mixing tub or vat and used from there by means 
of the same ejector as the glue, diluting it in the 
tannin solution tub in like manner to the glue. 

41 



The tannin solution is absorbed to a very much 
less degree than the chloride (usually only about 
one-tenth in volume), owing to the timber having 
already been well impregnated and to the less favor- 
able condition for absorption. The tannin solution 
actually loses much more of its tannic acid than is 
contained in the amount of absorption of the charge, 
it being remembered that some twenty times the 
amount absorbed has been in contact with the charge 
with its quota of glue, and therefore is depleted to 
the extent of the tannin needed to neutralize the 
glue, therefore the following: Rule for keeping up 
the strength of the tannic solution: 

"To the amount in volume absorbed add the 
amount of chloride solution absorbed; to the sum of 
these add tannin equal to one-half of one per cent 
in weight of tannin extract." 

COMPUTATIONS. 

DURING OPERATIONS. 

Sec, 31. During the operations of the works it 
is necessary to know how much timber there is in 
the charge, how much of each solution has gone 
into it, etc., so as to be able to know that the work 
is being properly done and that accurate accounts 
may be kept of the amount of chemicals used. To 
do this, the volume of the retort should be accu- 
rately taken as before noticed (Sec. 2^)^ and the 
various solution tubs should be provided with accu- 
rate gauges, by means of which the operator can 
note the amount in the tub before starting, at various 
periods between and at the close of the operation. 

These gauges should consist of a graduated board 
divided into feet and tenths, a good float on the 
solution in the tub and an indicator weight or 
pointer working freely by means of a cord up and 
down the graduated face of the indicator board. 
This indicator should be placed where it will be in 
plain sight of the operator and should be lighted at 
night so as to be easily read. 



VOLUME OF TIMBER. 

Sec. 32. To compute the volume of the timber in 
the charge: Take the lowest reading of the chloride 
indicator from the reading after the solution is 
fully forced back. This difference is the number of 
tub feet that was in the retort after absorption is 
completed, hence, when reduced to cubic feet, will 
be the number of cubic feet outside the charge, and 
taking this from the known volume of the retort, 
the remainder will be the volume of the charge in 
cubic feet of timber. 

ABSORPTION OF CHLORIDE, TANNIN OR 
GLUE. 

Sec. ss. Take the indicator reading after com- 
pleting forcing back from the reading at commenc- 
ing, the remainder will be the tub feet of solution 
absorbed. Reduce this to cubic feet, multiply it by 
63.4 lbs. (close approximate weight per cubic foot), 
which gives the number of pounds solution absorbed 
by the charge. Then again to determine the number 
of pounds pure chloride, multiply this by the per 
cent of strength of the solution (hydrometric, say 
.02 or .025, as the case may be), the product is the 
number of pounds pure chloride absorbed by the 
charge. 

Then, again, divide this by the total number of 
cubic feet in the charge as before found, and the 
result will be the pounds or fraction of a pound of 
pure chloride per cubic foot of timber. 

The same rule applies to absorption of tannin and 
also glue where it is applied separately from the 
chloride, only different in the last multiplier, which is 
.005 or one-half of one per cent. 

ABSORPTION BY VOLUME. 

Sec. 34. A very useful and instructive test of tim- 
ber as to its adaptability to receive treatment is de- 
termined by its abihty to absorb the solution. This 



is found by dividing the number of cubic feet of 
solution absorbed by the number of cubic feet of 
timber in the charge. 

RECORD OF ROUTINE WORK. 

Sec. 35. To have a complete record of the oper- 
ation a blank form should be provided for the oper- 
ator to record every move, the directing column 
being printed on the right hand with any convenient 
number of columns in blank arranged to the left, say 
six for the proper entries in ink, each blank column 
to receive the record of one run. 

The items to be entered are as follows: Run 
Number; Retort Number; Commenced steaming; 
Twenty pounds indicated (time); Blow off (time); 
Commence vacuum (time) ; Twenty-five inches indi- 
cated (time); Indicator chloride tank (feet and 
tenths) ; Chloride introduced (time) ; ipo lbs. pres- 
sure indicated (time); Lowest point indicator (feet 
and tenths); Started forcing back (time); Com- 
pleted forcing back (time); Indicator chloride tank 
(feet and tenths); Indicator glue tank (feet and 
tenths); Introduce glue (time); Force back glue 
(time) ; Indicator glue tank (feet and tenths) ; In- 
dicator tannin tank (feet and tenths); Introduce 
tannin (time) ; Force back tannin (time) ; Indicator 
tannin (feet and tenths). 

Number of ties; Cubic feet of timber in run 
(computed); Absorption of chloride in vol. per 
cent (computed); Do. do. Glue (per cent vol.); 
Absorption of tannin (per cent) ; Strength of chlo- 
ride solution (per cent hydrometric) ; Absorption 
pure chloride to cubic foot of timber in lbs. Time 
consumed in run (hours); time consumed in shift; 
kind of timber treated. 

On left of last column should be date, temperature 
of solution when tested, hydrometric reading and 
signature of operator. 

With such a report filled out for each and every 
run, departure from the prescribed routine cannot 
be concealed, but will be apparent. 

44 



While the requirements above say feet and tenths, 
it is possible with care to read the indicator to hun- 
dredths of a foot, and this should be done. 

MEASURING SAPS EXTRACTED. 

Sec. 36. Recurring to the practicability of meas- 
uring or determining the actual amount of saps 
extracted from the timber with any degree of 
accuracy is doubted. It is found that very dry tim- 
ber, after being steamed, is invariably heavier if 
withdrawn at end of the vacuum than when intro- 
duced, showing that the timber has absorbed a 
greater amount of moisture than replaces the saps 
extracted. On the other hand, very green or water- 
logged timber will be markedly lighter, the only 
conclusion we can draw is that more moisture has 
been withdrawn than went in in the form of con- 
densed steam, but how much sap came out or how 
much condensed steam passed in and remains in the 
timber is impossible to tell. The fact of the matter 
is that during the process of steaming large amounts 
of the saps are blown out with the condensed steam 
in keeping the retort clear of condensations, the 
quantity being of such amount as to load the out- 
flowing water highly with the juices of the timber. 
This is entirely outside of that collected by the hot 
well, and of much greater volume. 

KIND OF TIMBER AND CONDITION. 

Sec. Z7- The soft and open grained timbers, such 
as the southern lowland pine and the mountain 
pines of the west, have been submitted to treatment 
with a high degree of success. The life of these 
pines are, when laid without treatment, from three 
to four and one-half years when cut from young 
growing timber in the form of pole ties. Later, 
hemlock, tamarack and even cottonwood have 
been used with good result, the life when treated 
by the Wellhouse process being prolonged very 

46 



much. While suflicient record as to the relative life 
in each case has not been kept, yet it is presumed 
that it would be found to be at least double, some 
estimating it at three times. 

In the case of heart timber that is sound and well 
matured the life can be safely placed at 50 per cent 
higher, as heart timber is more lasting on account 
of its maturity and firmness of fiber and greater 
freedom from fermenting juices. 

While it is true that sap and open grained timber 
will absorb more of the antiseptic solution than 
well-matured heart timber, and is. by some, con- 
sidered most suitable for treatment, yet it is not clear 
that the very best timber cannot be treated with 
equal profit. 

The fact probably is. that any timber, not exclud- 
ing the best white or buroak. will be benefited to 
such extent as to be profitable and advantageous 
by the prolongation of its usefulness. 

That a compact timber will not absorb ?s large 
amount of the preservative is owing to the large 
amount of solid wood fiber and the smaller per cent 
of voids in the timber, which only serve for the 
lodgment of the preservative, hence this should be 
no reason for barring it out. but, on the contrary, 
should be in its favor. 

The available voids in timber varies from 20 per 
cent in volume for compact heart timber to over 
60 per cent for Texas short leaf pine. The compact 
timber is not confined to the oak. hickory, etc.. but 
will be found among the pines. In almost all cases 
the best timber is found in the lower part or butt cut 
of the tree. 

All in all. it is true that the better the timber the 
better the tie. whether treated or otherwise, in spite 
of its inability to absorb so much of the antiseptic. 

SEASONING. 

Sec. 38. To secure the best possible results, any 
timber should have such an amount of seasoning as 



will free it largely of the green saps existing in the 
live tree when cut, or to such extent as may be prac- 
ticable by exposure to a dry atmosphere for perhaps 
from 60 to 90 days; more time in a damp, rainy 
climate than in a dry, sunshiny exposure. 

Practically speaking, the determination of condi- 
tion of timber suitable must be largely a matter of 
judgment with the further aid of actual results when 
put through the process. 

If perforce timber is treated while in a water- 
logged or green, freshly cut condition, then spe- 
cial means must be resorted to, prolongation of 
steaming, interposition of extra vacuum, prolonga- 
tion of pressure on solution, or all of these, but as 
a rule this should not be done if possible to avoid 
it, as the results will be uncertain. 

Kiln drying is recommended by some, but this 
adds too much to the expense and cannot be as 
good in any case as Nature's action with time. 

Section 39. Live and growing timber with its 
natural saps and its sap cells in their normal condi- 
tion will resist the introduction of any fluid, much 
on the principle that two bodies cannot occupy the 
same space at the same time. To be able to intro- 
duce any solution, the natural saps of the timber 
must be in some way freed and expelled from the 
timber either by being evaporated by drying or must 
be forced out by heating, loosening and expanding 
into vapor, as is done under the steaming process. 
The saps in freshly cut timber will immediately be- 
gin to evaporate when, under favorable conditions, 
the timber is exposed to the air, the action com- 
mencing on the exposed surface and gradually ad- 
vancing toward the center of the piece, but if, on 
the contrary, it is exposed to much dampness and 
high climatic temperature, the evaporation pro- 
gresses very slowly and the fermentation of the 
juices of the timber will act quickly, forming at once 
the basis of active decay. The time required to dry 
the timber by exposure to the atmosphere alone will 
go far toward its destruction, the fermentation of the 

47 



saps forming the fungi of decay, attacking the deli- 
cate cells and more delicate and less compact por- 
tions of the timber and then the firmer portions, 
until, in a few months, the timber becomes spongy 
throughout. Timber that has reached this stage will 
take the solution freely, but if decay has gone so far 
as to allow excessive absorption, it will be of little 
value even if treated. 

Sec. 40. Under the action of steam in the retort, 
the juices are heated to such temperature as will 
expel them rapidly, arresting any incipient decay 
and destroying the delicate mechanism of the sap 
cells, clearing the way for the ingress of the solution. 
Microscopic examination proves this to be true. 

It is, therefore, important that the time the steam 
is held must be adjusted to the condition of the tim- 
ber, the most important consideration being that 
its action shall reach the center of the piece. 

The rule here adopted is for 20 lbs. pressure, which 
is equal to 250 degrees Fah., which is the highest 
degree of heat allowable to which the timber can be 
subjected without injury. The steam used should 
be saturated steam, as with superheated steam the 
temperature is uncertain, while no special advantage 
is gained. 

THE ECONOMIES. 

Sec. 41. The following estimate is based upon the 
conditions existing on the A., T. & S. F. Railroad 
line in New Mexico in 1885. 

The prolongation of life of the Mountain Pine 
there used, from a mean of four and one-half years 
to about twelve years, is quite well authenticated. 
On this is based the following estimate: 
For a period of twelve years. 
Untreated tie placed 2 2-3d times 

Cost of tie, 35c. X 2 2-3d times. .$0.93 

Cost of placing in track, 2 2-3d ts. .40 — $1.33 

Treated tie, one, 35c $0.35 

Cost of treating, 15c 15 

Cost of placing, 15c 15 — $0.65 

48 



Making a saving in twelve years of 68 cents per 
tie or five and two-thirds cents per tie per annum. 

To more fully appreciate what this means, multi- 
ply this by 2640 ties in each mile you have $i49-5o, 
or approximately $150 per mile per annum. As the 
works built in 1885 consisted of two retorts, with 
annual capacity of 400,000 ties, sufficient to renew 
300 ties per mile on 1333 miles, the annual saving 
on this basis would be something like $200,000. 

The Las Vegas Works cost about $30,000, a small 
part of the annual saving (about 15 per cent). 

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

Sec. 42. In a general way, the true value of the 
results must be deduced from the mass of and not 
from individual cases or of a few specimen pieces. 

The variations in density and other conditions are 
as various as there are varieties of timber or parts in 
the tree. Then again, even with the most careful 
inspection timber more or less unsound will come 
with the rest, to disturb the investigator should he 
resort entirely to chemical analysis on which to 
found an opinion as to the thoroughness of the treat- 
ment or the value of the results. 

Speaking from a practical point of view, the fol- 
lowing line of reasoning will apply: The agents 
used are commercial commodities used in gross 
amounts as salt is used to preserve meat, a small 
variation cutting a figure only where large quantities 
are used, where system will conserve economy, but 
where no slight variation will afifect the efficiency of 
the treatment. In this the chemist can guard against 
the purchase of adulterated stock. 

Again, the rules and methods for the zinc-tannin 
and kindred processes are so well defined that the 
operator, with the exercise of good judgment, can 
get almost any desired result, and will know just 
what he is doing as to amount of absorption. He 
will know that when he puts in a tie weighing 100 
lbs. and it comes out weighing 175 lbs. that it has 



absorbed 75 lbs., no more, no less, and knowing the 
strength of the solution, he can safely say that it has 
just so much pure chemical agent, whatever it may 
be in it. To determine how much has been ab- 
sorbed by any or every particular piece in the charge 
is manifestly impracticable, hence only the gross 
result is manifest at the time. 

It must be remembered that each of the different 
processes have been carried on for years, and their 
effectiveness and value are no longer in the field of 
theory, the proofs of effectiveness having been se- 
cured after the lapse of sufficient time to amount to a 
demonstration. The chemist may find a tie that has 
been in service 15 or more years that has but a trace 
of the chemical, and he may find one of the same 
timber that has failed at less than five years, both 
having been treated in the same charge, yet for 
reasons before given this proves nothing as to the 
real value of the process or of its failure. 

The operator that is armed with a thorough 
knowledge of chemistry has something that will be 
of great aid to him, but he will find it of much more 
importance to study the mechanical and physical 
features of his work, for instance, whether his steam 
reaches the center of a tie, what the best temperature 
for his solution, how various timbers are best ren- 
dered penetrable, and a hundred other matters vital 
to the success of the process. 

CAUTIONARY. 

Sec. 43. In conclusion, and at the risk of repe- 
tition, the operator is reminded that it is of the ut- 
most importance that every part of the work is 
carried out according to the rules laid down, that 
the condition of the timber be carefully studied and 
the best method be adopted to meet this, that every 
precaution be taken to detect any failure that may 
occur and to take the proper means to rectify this 
even to a repetition of the treatment, and to labor 
to instruct those under him in the highest possible 
degree to the same end. 

50 



By no other means can good results be surely ob- 
tained, and any mistakes escaping his vigilance, 
while not immediately apparent, will tell seriously 
some time in the future. 

Extraneous influences will often be brought to 
bear to have received and treated timbers not in 
proper condition to be treated, but such should be 
received under protest if received at all, and a record 
should be made of these facts. In this way only will 
the process be protected against unfair charges of 
failure. 

The operator probably will have little control as 
to timber delivered to him for treatment, but it is 
his duty to see that each different class or kind is 
treated separately as far as is possible, and to study 
the method of handling the process best adapted to 
each, bringing every check in his reach to bear, not 
forgetting the weighing and other means of develop- 
ing the best methods. 

BURNETTIZING. 

For the Burnettizing- process the appliances are the 
same as for the Zinc-Tannin except that the tubs for 
the glue and for the tannin can be omitted and that 
part of the pipings by which they connect to the re- 
tort are also omitted. The precaution is usually 
taken to put in connections for the piping so that in 
case of change to the other process, that much labor 
and expense is saved by so doing. 

FOR CREOSOTING. 

(a) The additions necessary to provide for creo- 
soting are the necessary storage tub, which should be 
of metal, as well as a dumping tank in which the oil 
is dumped from the tank car in which it is usually 
shipped to the works. The capacity of the storage 
tub depends upon the desired capacity of the works 
or the portion of the works devoted to creosoting and 
the amount of timber that is to be treated. 

51 



(b) The same pipes are used as with the Burnett 
except, of course, the main pipe to the header, but 
these pipes through which the oil is passed must be 
provided with inside steam pipes by which the oil 
shall be kept fluid by means of live steam passing 
through them. 

(c) In addition to this the retort must be furnished 
with a system of heating pipes (steam) of such heat- 
ing surface as will quickly heat the oil in the retort to 
the desired temperature. This is done by manifold 
coils of iron pipes. As the oil must at all times be 
entirely fluid, the storage and the dumping tubs must 
also be provided with ample heating coils. 

The absorption is secured in the same way as with 
the Wellhouse or the Burnett process, first by open- 
ing the pores of the wood by steaming, followed by 
the oil under pressure aided by a much higher tem- 
perature on the oil. 

UNITS IN COMPUTATIONS. 

Sec. 44. Line measure, feet, tenths and hun- 
dredths, to three decimals. 

Cubic measure, cubic feet and fractions to three 
decimals. 

Tub or vat feet equal area of tub or vat x i foot 
(vert). 

Weights, lbs. Avoirdupois to one to three deci- 
mals. 

Gallons U. S. equal 231 cubic ins., not used as 
being less convenient than cubic feet. 

Weight of water at 60 deg. Fah. equal 62.4 lbs. 
per cubic foot, or .5771 per oz. Av. (Sea water said 
to be 64.1.) 

Pressure, steam and cold water is counted as per 
square inch in lbs. Av. 

Temperature, Fahrenheit Thermometer (always). 

Weight of concentrated sol. zncL. See table (B) 
Empiric. 

Per cents should be carried to three decimals. 

Means by weight except where otherwise speci- 
fied. 

52 



IMPLEMENTS FOR TESTING SOLUTION. 

Sec 45. One avoirdupois scale, 4 lbs. down to 
grains. 

One graduated glass test tube, 200 c. cm. will do, 
114 inch. dia. x 12 inch. 

One 1000 c. cm. graduated glass to set on scale, 
with counterbal. 

Two plain test tubes, 1^x12 inch. 

Two dozen test tubes, %x6 inch, with cork stop- 
pers. 

Two glass funnels, 3-inch dia. 

One package filters. 6-inch. 

Two open glass jars, 4-inch dia. and 6-inch high. 

Two Beaume hydrometers, o to 60 deg. 

Two Beaume hydrometers, o to 6 degrees, test to 
exactly o in pure water at 60 deg. Fah. (duplicates 
to meet accident). 

One floating thermometer, Fahr. zero to 250 deg. 

One argand lamp with stand. 

Six four oz. glass beakers. 

Three porcelain saucers, say 4-inch dia. 

Two galvanized iron pails, 4-inch dia. and 12 
inches deep, with wire bail to handle samples of 
solution. 

A half dozen or more glass bottles holding a pint 
or more and having ground glass stoppers will be 
useful to hold various reagents used for testing the 
solutions, some of which are noticed below. 

REAGENTS. Methyl Orange, a i-iooo solution 
for testing for free acid in the chloride solution. 

Ammonia for testing for iron. 

Barium chloride for sulphates. 

Alum and glue for tannin solution, etc. 

TO TEST STRENGTH OF TUB SOLUTION OF 

TANNIN. 

(1.) Prepare reagent as follows : 

Pure water, one liter (1000 grammes). 

Best glue, three grammes (50 grains approximately). 



Alum (sulphate), one gramme (16 grains). 

Heat to 100° Fahr. and let stand 24 hours to dissolve, 
then bottle. 

(2.) Make up a small quantity of one-half of one 
per cent tannin solution as follows: Presupposing 
that a sample quantity of known strength in tannic 
acid is kept on hand, then take 12 ounces pure water, 
add to this 26^ grains tannin extract (30 grains is 
close enough), warm and mix well, then filter well 
through two sheets of filter paper and bottle for 
further use. 

(3.) Then take a small sample of the tub solution, 
filter well as with the testing solution, then take 
from each ten cubic centimeters and put each into a 
test tube by itself adding the same amount of the 
reagent (No. 1) to each, shake well and cork. 

The glue will combine with the tannin in each, the 
combination settling to the bottom so that the rela- 
tive amount will be apparent to the eye in two or 
three hours. If the tannin is all taken up, the super- 
incumbent water will be nascent and clear of color; if 
not, and the amount of glue is insufficient, the water 
will be tinged red, and if on the other hand there is 
more glue than tannin, the water will be turbid and 
of a whitish tinge. If, however, the tannin is anything 
near the standard the above will do. 

For the following, we are indebted to Octave 
Chanute, C. E.: 

FOR TESTING PURITY OF ZINC CHLORIDE 

(Zncls). 

For Sulphates. Taking two or three per cent 
solution, add a little barium chloride. If the result is 
a milky white precipitate it shows presence of sul- 
phates. The precipitate is barium sulphate. 

For Free Acid. To a two or three per cent solu- 
tion of Zncl2, add a few drops of methyl orange solu- 
tion (1-1(X)0 solution), and if the methyl orange 
changes color it shows presence of free acid. 

54 



To remove this, one of the most objectionable fea- 
tures and most easily removed, place sufficient zinc 
spelter (metallic zinc) in the neutralizing vat to com- 
bine with and take up the free acid. 

For the presence of iron, one of the most injurious 
of impurities, add ammonia, and shake well. If 
there is a reddish brown flocculent precipitate, it indi- 
cates the presence of iron and the precipitate is ferric 
hydrated iron. The presence of over one-half of one 
per cent, the chloride should be condemned. For 
timber preserving even less than this is sometimes 
considered sufficient to condemn. 



56 

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY 



Lidgerwood Hoisting Engines 

are used at following plants : 

SOMERVILLE, TEX.; BELLEMONT, ARIZ.; EOGCMONT, 
SO. DAK.; LAS VEGAS, N. M., AND SEVERAL OTHERS 

Send for catalog and prices. 

Lidgerwood Mfg. Co. ""°B°und';nr'' Chicago 

Established 1875. 

Wheeler Condenser and Engineering Co. 

1642 MONADNOCK BLOCK, 

CHICAGO. 

BUILDERS OP 

SURFACE CONDENSERS 

Heath 6 Milligan Mfg. Co. 

PflINT 



Structural 
Iron 



OH lOACSiO, 

u. s. A. 



HENRY R. WORTHINGTON 

Full Equipment of Pumps, 
Air Compressors, Etc. 

METERS FOR HOT AND COLD WATER FOR TIMBER PRESERVING 

AND OTHER LIQUIDS. PLANTS. 

BROOKLYN, N. Y. 513 The Rookery, CHICAGO. 

CHAPMAN VALVE MFG. CO. 

28 SOUTH CANAL STREET, CHICAGO. 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

RATF VAIVF^ for steam, water, gas, 
UMIL TnLffLO OIL or ammonia 

Any pressure from 50 to 2,000 pounds 
per square inch. 

WORKS : INDIAN ORCHARD, MASS. 




BUSIl>rESS DIRECTORY 



The THERMOMETERS 
PRESSURE GAUGES 
RECORDING GAUGES 

used in this work are made by 

SCHAFFER & BUDENBERG 

Chicago : 15 West Lake Street 

New York : 66 John Street send for catalog 

Fairbanks, Morse & Co. 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. 

CONTRACTORS FOR 

Zlram Cars, 1Rctort6, pumps, 
^anFis, piping, :l8oiIers, 

OR WILL CONSTRUCT PLANTS 
COMPLETE. 

The John Davis Company 

Manufacturers of 

WROUGHT 
IRON PIPE 



d 




5J-79 Michigan Street 
CHICAGO 

Telephone Express 125 

ROWE^ &> rowe: 

Civil and Consulting 
ENGINEERS 

We make a specialty of Timber Pre- CHIC A CCi 

serving Plants, Plans, Specifications ^* ■' ^ vv-^ \J\^ 

Erection and Installation. 

SAMUEL M. ROWE, Manager. 



